The Kingdom of Metallica, the nation Roel had mentioned before. A technological powerhouse that creates iron boxes to measure levels and provides electricity. I had always thought it would be a place I wanted to visit someday, but I never imagined I would be approached by people from that very country.
As a massive iron ship drew closer, its size became even more apparent. It was so large that I had to look up from the deck of the regular ship, its sturdy hull imposing. The light that had instantly defeated Doridon’s minions had come from this very vessel. I assumed it was fired from the numerous tubes extending from the ship.
“Well, um, you see. Rua, thanks to you, we managed to escape a dire situation. However, first, you should put on some clothes.”
It was only after Silver cleared his throat and spoke that I finally realized my state. Everyone around me was avoiding eye contact. When I had bathed in the Abyss Cave, this kind of exposure felt normal, but now, I was overwhelmed by a sudden wave of embarrassment.
“I-I haven’t shown this to anyone!”
I didn’t even understand what I was saying. In a panic, I tried to run to grab the clothes I had hastily thrown into the cabin, but I stumbled and fell. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the deck was slick with seawater, making it treacherous to walk. Both Bottom and the soldiers looked as if they couldn’t bear to watch, covering their eyes despite having just saved me. It was truly awful.
◆ Metallica’s Cruiser, Elmerado Deck ◆
I was invited onto a metallic walkway leading to the cruiser. The entire area was painted in shades of gray, lacking the warmth of the people on the regular ship we had been on. I was brought here without any understanding of what was happening, and I couldn’t help but wonder why they had saved us in the first place.
In front of us stood a young man with narrow eyes and flat glasses, accompanied by a small girl. Behind them lined up soldiers, all seemingly equipped with iron tubes on their backs. I wondered if those were weapons, similar to the ones that had emitted the light that defeated the monsters. The man with glasses maintained a constant smile, while the girl beside him had sleepy eyes, which seemed to be her natural expression.
Her short orange hair was tied up at an angle, resembling a broom. She wore a peculiar outfit that seemed to be connected from top to bottom, with a rugged zipper down the middle. She looked to be about three years younger than me, and the more I looked, the younger she appeared.
“Ah, I’m glad we found you. It was a close call. Oh, I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. I am Genia, the Director of the Technology Development Bureau of the Kingdom of Metallica.”
As she spoke, Genia distributed small papers to all of us. I could barely read it, but I assumed it contained her self-introduction.
“Thank you very much for your kindness. I appreciate your help in our time of danger. I am Chip, the captain of this ship.”
Genia and the captain shook hands, and then the little girl approached me at a quick pace. She stopped right in front of me and stared without blinking.
“W-What?”
The girl tilted her head, a gesture I felt I wanted to do instead. What was this child’s deal? With her narrowed eyes, she remained expressionless and suddenly hugged me.
“Whoa!”
“Normal.”
“What’s normal?!”
“Normal girl’s body. Soft.”
While still hugging me, the girl began to poke my back with her hands. I had no idea how to respond to such an advance from a stranger. Oh, but Tiferia had done something similar to me before.
Her broom-like hair tickled my nose, and I could even smell her scent.
“Hey, what are you doing?!”
“Is it bad?”
“Why do you keep asking that?!”
“Platiu, that’s quite rude of you.”
At Genia’s words, the girl finally released me, though she still looked at me longingly. When our eyes met, she tilted her head again.
“I’m sorry, but the reason we rushed to your aid was primarily because of you. Platiu is a Machinery of great renown in the Kingdom of Metallica. Ah, it might be clearer to say she’s an S-rank Adventurer. In any case, she is an indispensable presence in our country. If she shows interest in you, the victor of the Avangarde Tournament who even repelled the Neo Demon Lord Army, we simply had to come.”
“Uh-huh…”
I could only nod. So, these people had come all this way just to meet me? The others remained silent, likely taken aback by the reason for their assistance. To put it bluntly, it seemed like helping us was just a side note. I felt a bit disappointed.
All of this commotion was for that girl. An S-rank Adventurer, just like Tiferia. I recalled hearing that there were S-rank Adventurers in various countries. But while Tiferia was an adult, this girl seemed like a child. Well, maybe she wasn’t that different from me. If that were the case, what did that make me, an only B-rank?
“Sigh… well, well. But how did you figure out she was the champion? It’s been about a week since the news reached your country, so how did you find out?”
“Not at all, with our nation’s intelligence agency, it’s a simple matter.”
Before the captain could finish, Genia answered with a smile. She always seemed cheerful, which made her seem a bit odd. In stark contrast, Platiu had not changed her expression at all and continued to fix her gaze on me.
“So, what should we do now?”
“Well, Platiu, what should we do?”
“Take Rua back to Metallica. I want to study her.”
“That’s what she said.”
When the captain asked, Genia casually raised her hands in a gesture of surrender. What was she saying? We needed to head to the Wizard Kingdom. To take me back as if I were some possession.
“We’re going to the Wizard Kingdom now.”
“You can go afterward.”
“No way.”
“Why not?”
This back-and-forth seemed endless. I wished Genia would say something to Platiu instead of just watching. Besides, what did she mean by “study”? I had no time to indulge such whims, and it felt too selfish.
“Genia, I appreciate your help, but we really need to set sail soon. Besides, Rua has expressed her disinterest in this…”
“Hmm, this is quite the dilemma. If Platiu studies Rua, it would surely be… oh wait.”
“It’s me who’s in trouble. What are you saying, showing up out of nowhere?”
“Rua, Rua…”
The captain and Bottom tried to calm me down. After a moment of thought, Genia scratched the back of her head and spoke apologetically.
“This cruiser will safely take you to the Haliart continent. However, Rua, would you please consider following Platiu’s request? We will offer ample compensation, and afterward, you will be safely transported to your destination on the latest airship from Metallica. What do you say?”
“No, I’m going to the Haliart continent on this ship.”
I turned my head away. Genia looked genuinely troubled, but I couldn’t understand why she was so eager to cater to that girl’s whims. What was this country, and what did they want with me? The once expressionless Platiu now had her mouth twisted in a frown, clearly sulking.
She looked like a child—well, she was a child. But it was hard to believe that someone like her could be an S-rank Adventurer. Perhaps she was as strong as Tiferia.
“Let’s give up, Platiu. We’ve already come this far because of your unreasonable demands. We can’t push it any further. It would inconvenience the others as well.”
Seeing the situation unfold, Genia tried to speak sternly to Platiu. However, her narrow eyes still held a smile, lacking any real intimidation. Platiu sulked, kicking the deck in clear dissatisfaction. With a sigh, Genia took a breath.
“Then let’s do this, Rua. It doesn’t have to be now. If you could fulfill Platiu’s wish someday, we will provide you with whatever reward you desire. Of course, it can be monetary. We can prepare an amount that would allow you to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Alternatively, if there’s something you wish to know, that would be fine too. Information is a valuable asset, after all. Don’t you have something in mind?”
――――Don’t you have something in mind?
Her thin, sharp eyes locked onto me. For a brief moment, my heart raced.
That gaze pierced through my body, invading my mind like a sharp spear. It was as if she knew I was searching for something. More than that, it felt like she could see exactly what I was looking for. Perhaps it was just my imagination, but I couldn’t shake the feeling.
Offering information alongside money might have been a coincidence, but it didn’t feel like one.
“I can investigate anything you wish. Our nation’s intelligence agency, ALEX, has a network that spans the globe… oh, let’s skip the complicated stuff. The point is, you’re always welcome in our country. When you do come, we will be sure to welcome you.”
A gentle smile was directed at me by Genia. I had been curious about the existence of the Kingdom of Metallica, but now that I was actually here, everything felt even more bewildering. Dressed in a flowing outfit reminiscent of a lab coat, Genia had maintained her cheerful expression since our first meeting.
Both she and Platiu made the Kingdom of Metallica seem increasingly foreign to me.
◆ Metallica’s Cruiser, Elmerado’s Cabin ◆
“Wow, I’m so surprised!”
I was astonished to see Roel standing and walking around so soon after everything that had happened. But I could understand how shocking it must be to wake up and find oneself in the Kingdom of Metallica. After I tried to return to the regular ship, I was told that they would be accommodating it here, and I should rest for a little while.
When I wondered what they meant by “accommodating,” the ship suddenly opened wide, and the regular ship sailed right in. I was once again amazed by the sheer size of this vessel, capable of carrying an entire ship. From the window, it didn’t seem like we were moving very fast, but apparently, we were traveling at speeds many times greater than that of the regular ship. What would have taken two more days of sailing was now down to just two hours. It was unbelievable.
“I’m sorry for collapsing at such an important time. It seems like things have been tough since then.”
“Don’t worry about it. It was nothing serious…”
“Another person from the Demon Lord Army came, right? What are they even about?”
“Speaking of which, what is a Demon Lord, anyway?”
“If you want to know, I can tell you.”
Platiu entered the room without knocking, startling me with her small, broom-like hair sticking up from her head. I thought there were two of us sitting on the bed, but now there were three. She blended in so naturally. However, Roel, seeing a girl dressed so oddly for the first time, remained surprisingly calm.
“You can’t just come in like that… Where are you from?”
“Platiu.”
“Roel, this girl may look like this, but she’s an S-rank Adventurer.”
“No way…”
Roel covered her mouth in surprise. It was hard to believe that someone who looked a whole head shorter than her could be of the same rank as Tiferia. What baffled her the most was that this girl didn’t seem capable of fighting at all. When she met Tiferia, she had sensed that she was no ordinary person. But from this girl, she felt nothing. Just an ordinary child. As she pondered this, Platiu suddenly hugged Roel and started sniffing her.
“Ah! W-What are you doing?!”
“Sniff sniff…”
“H-Hey! Stop that! Let go!”
Even as I pulled her away by her sides, Platiu still looked at Roel with lingering curiosity.
“I want to investigate Roel too.”
“Huh?”
“No! I told you we have important matters to attend to! Investigating Roel is out of the question!”
“Is Rua angry because she likes Roel?”
“W-What?!”
I couldn’t help but let my voice crack at the unexpected words. It was true that I liked her, but something felt off. What was it? Why was I feeling so flustered? I had no idea. Platiu then casually laid her head on Roel’s lap, turning to lie sideways. Well, whatever.
“It’s only natural that Rua and the others don’t know about the Demon Lord Army.”
“Do you know something?”
“Yeah, but I still won’t tell you.”
“I want you to tell me.”
“I’ll tell you if you let me investigate. Information is an asset.”
Platiu grinned for the first time. It was a childlike smile, but her mischievous expression annoyed me just a bit. For some reason, Roel was gently stroking Platiu’s head while she was using her lap as a pillow. She had made friends with a child she didn’t know yesterday, so maybe she just liked kids.
As Platiu began to rub her cheek against Roel’s lap, I tried to scold her, but somehow they ended up getting along and started a card game. Before I knew it, the time for our voyage had passed. By the way, it was my first time playing a card game, but I didn’t win even once.
◆ Shin’s Report ◆
Shin Report, Part Two!
Rua and the others seem to be heading for the Wizard Kingdom. Unlike Rua, who looked bored on the ship, Roel was enjoying herself. According to Shin, Rua struggles with communication! That’s a major flaw!
Monsters attacked, but Rua didn’t have her turn. The old men were whipping the crew and doing their best to take them down. Rua seemed a bit impressed, but I thought it would only come off as sarcasm if you praised them, so I decided to keep quiet.
The next day, we encountered a ghost ship that is rarely seen! Even I, who has lived for a long time, saw it for the first time! Then it hit me! You were on that ship and called it forth, huh? Rua and Roel had no idea you were disguised as one of the passengers. If you ambushed them, would you be able to take them down, Juo? Are you a coward?
The ship was completely trapped by the ghost, making escape impossible. I thought that little girl might take it down with a single blow, but it was actually my partner Roel who did it. I had heard she was a Healer, but is she actually an Exorcist? That girl has an air about her that suggests she’s no ordinary person either.
Apparently, the old man leading the crew was protecting that ship, and after they fled, he came out seeking revenge. If that’s the case, there’s no need to help Rua and Roel. Are these two idiots? If it were me, I would definitely leave them behind, or rather, I would eliminate them.
D-D-Doridon has been defeated! What’s going on with that girl?! The Doridon exploded dynamically in midair! How can we defeat something like that? Is there even a weakness? But Rua seemed overly concerned about the safety of the passengers. Despite being such a monster, she was trying to help some pathetic humans. Hmm, maybe this is the key to something. Could it be that Doridon was aiming for that from the start?
In any case, we lost. I mean, we were supposed to leave it alone, so why did we jump in? If Juo is watching, he should help out.
Meanwhile, we’re heading to the Kingdom of Metallica. Just watching it is horrifying. I told you to bury yourself from the outside, but that Doridon is really stupid. I can’t believe it, but if Rua and that damn Metallica join forces, it would be troublesome.
I thought and thought, trying to come up with a good idea, but I couldn’t think of anything, so I decided to sleep. Zzz…
Monster Compendium
Sword Wight HP 490
The spirit of a human who wielded blades in life, now transformed into a malevolent ghost. It harbors an unending hatred for the living, deriving pleasure solely from taking their lives. Its laughter is often likened to a call from the Underworld.
Okeanos HP 3610
A gigantic sea serpent lurking in the depths. It is so massive that it can swallow a ship whole in one bite, but it rarely shows itself above the surface. In some regions, it is considered a calamity of the sea, and offerings are made annually to ensure the safety of fishing.
Emperor Squid HP 4730
Typically referred to as the Great King Squid, this monster is known for its mutated forms. With a single tentacle, it can create raging waves and capsize ships. It usually appears only in specific sea areas, making encounters rare during regular voyages. Its meat is considered a delicacy, and only a select few skilled Adventurers dare to hunt it, most of whom end up as seaweed.